Colorado final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid Colorado wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
Estimates only. PTO payout rights and tax withholding vary by state, employer policy, and individual circumstances. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult your state labor department or a qualified professional. See our methodology.
Final pay and PTO in Colorado
Colorado treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Accrued vacation is treated as wages under Colorado law. Earned PTO cannot be forfeited and must be paid out at separation regardless of reason.
Your final paycheck combines any regular wages you earned but were not yet paid with your accrued PTO payout where it is owed. Use-it-or-lose-it forfeiture of earned time is not allowed in Colorado, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2–3 years. This calculator pre-selects Colorado so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Colorado Wage Act / COMPS Order) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Colorado PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Colorado?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Immediately |
| If you quit | Next scheduled payday |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Colorado requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Colorado Division of Labor Standards & Statistics (CDLE). Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Colorado?
If your employment ends in Colorado, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Immediately. If you quit: Next scheduled payday. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Colorado?
Colorado treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: Colorado Wage Act / COMPS Order.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Colorado?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 4.4% Colorado rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Colorado?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Colorado is 2–3 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.